{In Case You Missed It}: 2021 Highlights

 

I gave myself the grace to remain in a Happy New Year state of mind for the entire month of January.  And so, here I am on the final day (my how time flies!!), sharing my perennial recap of the year gone by.  So before January is a distant memory, let me get on with the D.M.R. Fine Foods highlights of 2021, despite it being another challenging and fulfilling year-in-one.  

I embraced every wave of energy, inspiration, occasion and celebration to make the most of my passions and share them with you.  I’m always grateful for each and every person who shares this journey with me and appreciate every opportunity to make it worth your while.

So without further ado, here are some of my favorite highlights of 2021:

Food

2021 brought more home cooking, as I relished long-time favorites and new recipes, alike. From Creole Jambalaya, to Peach Shortcakes, Peach Crisp, Skillet Cornbread, Stuffing Biscuits, and more, it was nothing short of happy eating on full display. 

Travel

I eased back onto the travel scene with a mix of staycation/short road trips, to quickie flights to Ft. Lauderdale and NYC, a Caribbean getaway to Aruba, and a final jaunt to Las Vegas, replete with the Christmas aura I love to experience during holiday season travels. You can check out my quick and fun travel recap here.

Lifestyle

One of the biggest highlights of the year was being selected as a 2021 Better Homes and Gardens Stylemaker! Can you say awe-mazing?!  It truly was and no less exciting being honored a second time around, following my 2018 BHG Stylemaker selection.  An exceptionally curated two-day event, marked by the best brands and authorities across the lifestyle spectrum, the BHG Stylemaker team and my fellow Stylemakers made for another unforgettable hallmark in my journey to date and a welcomed nod that my contributions matter.

Collaborations

Finally, I enjoyed the privilege of once again collaborating with fellow culinary creators as we hosted the Juneteenth Virtual Cookout, replete with a bevy of recipes, stories and celebration around the theme of freedom and what it means to Black Americans.  I additionally enjoyed the honor of sharing more about what Juneteenth means to me on the Stasherbag instagram platform for the (now federal) holiday commemoration. Other collaborations with high fashion brand Marcell Von Berlin and America's Test Kitchen were also a delight.

All in all, I remain grateful for the blessings God continued to bestow on me, even as we continue to navigate the “new normal” in food, hospitality—and life, as a whole.  As a final reminder, the archives are always available for you to dig in and devour D.M.R. Fine Foods through the years. :)

Thank you again for being here and here’s to a blessed, healthy, and prosperous 2022!

xx,

Dawn

Marcell Von Berlin - Fall Winter 2021 Ready-to-Wear Collection

Fashion remains one of the greatest 'loves' and sheer pleasures of my existence--and excites me in ways that make me giddy and enthralled all at once.  Such was the reaction to my introduction to designer label, MARCELL VON BERLIN.

Founded in 2012 with ready-to-wear collections for men and women, the label stands for progressive looks, reflected through powerful silhouettes and unique statement prints.  Based in Berlin, the label embodies electric energy and urban charm with a street-style emphasis.  But ready-to-wear isn't all the label offers. Designer Marcell Pustul is a visionary who also creates custom made couture pieces.  The result? Both lines offer impeccable craftsmanship and the highest quality materials. 

 

Since its relaunch in 2018, the brand has expanded nationally and internationally, making its New York Fashion Week debut recently. On February 18th, the designer released his Fall Winter 2021 Ready-to-Wear collection titled “Fashion Remains.”

“Fashion Remains” is a reflection of Marcell's experience in Los Angeles during the pandemic. The FW21 collection expresses strong optimism towards the new normal. The message of the collection is in this strange new world lies the belief in the strength of fashion and its yearning for return.

 

Shooting on ruined building on the rough cliffs of Malibu evokes standstill, as if the entire world is holding its breath (“the new normal”). The collection moves in this ambivalent, intangible realm - a realm between something rooted in our world as we once knew it, and yet completely different. 

Watch the stunning digital NYFW show here and prepare to experience some of my aforementioned giddiness, too.

Happy Styling!

Photo Credits: MARCELL VON BERLIN, F/W 2021

MARCELL VON BERLIN collaborated with Fashion Director/ Stylist Nicola Formichetti. 

 

 

 

{MAN/WOMAN} MAN Show Autumn/Winter 2019

I momentarily re-entered the world of my dreams during a recent jaunt to NYC.  The dreamland of which I speak was taking in the MAN Show AW19 Collections from MAN/WOMAN, held in New York from January 22-24, 2019.

Despite a full day in the office and freezing temperatures that beckoned anything but being a journalist about town, I would not be deterred from my date with fashion on the cusp of the now running New York Fashion Week (NYFW).

Arriving at Spring Studios was its own moment, taking me back to fond memories of my first NYFW coverage a few years ago during NYFW Spring/Summer 2016.  And the thrill only catapulted as I emerged from the elevator and walked into the collection of collections representing MAN's collective of designers hailing from around the world.

Proudly uniting the best-of-the-best in the global fashion community since its establishment in 2012, MAN/WOMAN has been dedicated to fostering an intimate community of fashion talents from around the globe - welcoming top tier brands, designers and press at their shows in New York, Paris and Tokyo.

It's likely no surprise that menswear is typically not my thing (for obvious reasons), however covering this designer collective was as engaging and arousing as any woman's collection, because ultimately, in the eye of a fashion lover, fashion and design are fashion and design.

With the Canadian designer of Viberg Boot

As I weaved in between racks of styled pieces and displays of everything from shoe wear, to leather accessories, I was enthralled with the rich display of colors, textures, fabric and style from the myriad designer collections represented. Highlighted brands included Fred Perry, Veja, Tanner Goods, Sperry and Oliver Spencer.

And menswear never looked as good, making for...

Happy Styling!

{In Case You Missed It}: 2018 Highlights

Happy New Year (again!)  Amazingly, this year is off to a fast and furious start, with January soon to be in the rear view.  So before any more time elapses, I want to share one of my most favorite perennial posts, highlighting many of the moments that made the year gone by special for me, personally, and for D.M.R. Fine Foods.

Each year it seems like it couldn't get any sweeter and, then, it does!  And that would be 2018.  On a personal note, I enjoyed more fulfilling career, personal, civic, and relational highlights that made everything else the proverbial (and oh so delicious) icing on top.

That "icing" included special moments, among others, in food, travel, lifestyle and media--a well-rounded foray of the good life.  And I'm excited to recap some of the most special for you here, starting with a fun slideshow round-up. (*Recommended: watch in full screen mode.)

Food ~
My year in food included such highlights as once again being a featured blogger and contributor to the acclaimed Black History Month Virtual Potluck, with my Cinnamon Raisin Bread Pudding with Maple Glaze, along with more recipes and foodie indulgences from near and far.

Travel ~
My wanderlust led me to exceptional new destinations, including Cartagena, Colombia and Cozumel, Mexico, and repeat favorites, alike, including South Beach, New York City, Chicago, Orlando and Bermuda.  From the occasional business jaunt, to vacation getaways, 2018 was another year of fulfilling travel and exploration.

Fashion & Lifestyle ~
I experienced of the biggest honors of 2018 on what I'll label as the lifestyle front, which was being selected as a 2018 BHG Stylemaker by Better Homes and Gardens magazine! Can you say, awe-mazing?!  (I'll be a doing a dedicated post soon to share more of the fabulousness of my entire experience, so stay tuned!)  Beyond BHGStylemaker, I had the pleasure of joining gorgeous fashion influencer, CariRene Vintage, for an amazing afternoon of fashion inspiration at the Global Runway Fashion Presentation hosted by the Atlanta Airport.  And as a special bonus, to boot, I met one of my favorite fashion and beauty editors!

Beyond decor and fashion, another highlight included a private Girlfriends' Spa Party courtesy of Giorgio Armani Beauty and Saks Atlanta, making for a great afternoon of pampering with some of my favorite girls.

Media/Collaborations ~
2018 was another standout year on the media and collaboration front.  I was so thrilled to return to the t.v. to share more of my food and lifestyle passions, this time with the fabulous daytime show, Atlanta and Company.  My media footprint continued with my running monthly column with Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine, media corp for my forever favorite Atlanta Food and Wine Festival, and myriad media collaborations on behalf of exceptional local restaurants, wineries, farm co-ops (City Winery Atlanta, Varun Napoli, Dantanna's, Peach Dish), Atlanta Magazine, and more!

I obviously kept to my busier pace but, as always, it was extremely worth it, and equally as special to share it with you here on the blog and via social media.  I thank you for remaining connected and appreciate your ongoing support and interest in my corner of the world.  I love having you along for my journey and look forward to sharing more as 2019 continues to unfold. 

Happy Living!

 

{In Case You Missed It}: 2017 Highlights

Happy New Year! Embarking upon another year has always been a source of excitement, hope and anticipation for what's to come.  As 2018 continues to unfold, I'm pressing the pause button to reflect and share some of the amazing highlights that 2017 brought to D.M.R. Fine Foods.

There's a heightened sense of gratitude that occurs when I realize just how amazing this past year has been.  On virtually every front, I was so blessed to create, curate, and share my passions in both familiar and new (for me), exciting ways!

If you've been along for the ride with me until now, multiplied thank yous!! And if you're newer to D.M.R. Fine Foods, welcome!  I look forward to you settling in and staying awhile. :)

So without further adieu, here's our best of 2017, starting with a short video stream of some favorite moments (recommended: watch in full screen mode).
Travel ~
My year in travel was probably my biggest in recent memory.  I literally started the year in the midst of a winter getaway to Rome, Florence and Paris and got to take in these favorite cities (and fall in love with them) all over again.  Within a month, I was off to warmer terrain in the U.S. Virgin Islands and enjoyed a lovely return visit to St. Croix.  My journeys continued to New Orleans, Chicago, Washington D.C., Puerto Rico, Cuba, Phoenix (including one amazing day trip to the Grand Canyon) and finally, my perennial favorite, NYC.  Travel is such a source of joy and discovery and refreshing for me, so a year heavy in taking in destinations near and far couldn't have been better.


Food ~
2017 was by far the most exciting year in food to date!  I started the year sharing recipes inspired by travels, like Warm Goat Cheese Salad, soon followed by a phenomenal virtual potluck with 27 other food bloggers in honor of Black History Month!! It was a one-of-a-kind showcase of global black culture--through the lens of food, including my Curry Chicken Pot Pie feature.  More goodness followed with recipes like Chocolate Peanut Butter Cups, Cherry Upside Down Cake, Roasted Shrimp and Pineapple Skewers, Braised Short Ribs and more!

Beyond my kitchen, my food journey was also inextricably linked to my travels, and I had the pleasure of taking in unforgettable local eats and restaurants, such as this and this and this.  It was another delicious year, indeed!

Media ~
Beyond sharing here on the blog, my recurring column in Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine, digital and social media, I was immensely blessed to add both television and radio to the fold.  From a radio interview on the food and culture scene in St. Croix, USVI to several appearances on CBS46's Atlanta Plugged In morning show, I couldn't have been more thrilled for the opportunities to share my food and lifestyle passions with broader audiences.

The year brought continued successful collaborations that included media relations and social campaigns for the Atlanta Food and Wine Festival, The Four Seasons Hotel, St. Lucia Department of Tourism, Davio's Northern Italian Restaurant, PopSugar, and more.

Fashion & Lifestyle ~
Fashion found its way center stage through style files on Trench Coats, the Met Gala Red Carpet and the exceptional Ragtrade Atlanta Fashion Week and Runway Show.

And lifestyle inspiration spanned fall tablescapes, to holiday-themed decor, and more.

Thank you for allowing D.M.R. Fine Foods to share with you and may you be inspired to live "the good life" like never before!

xx,
Dawn

{Style Files}: Ragtrade Atlanta Runway Show 2017

On a recent Fall evening, the Atlanta fashion scene came alive under the canopy of Ragtrade Atlanta's 2017 Runway Show.  Providing a showcase for four of the top emerging designers in the industry, the evening boasted head-turning collections and endless style, while culminating a week of fashion.

As an avid fashion enthusiast, the runway show delighted me from start to finish.  Hearing the designers speak to their journeys and inspirations, followed by the presentation of their runway collections, cloaked the evening in a beautifully intimate, yet grandeur, setting.

From women, to men, to holiday, to casual chic, and beyond, the show delivered one stunning look after the next and met the applause of the full house of fashion lovers in attendance. A fitting finale for an amazing week of fashion.

Happy Styling!

{Style Files}: How the Met Gala 2017 Red Carpet Was Slayed

Zendaya, Dolce & Gabbana

Raindrops on roses...whiskers on kittens...bright copper kettles...and Met Gala red carpets.  These are a few of my favorite things.  And last night's red carpet fashion came through in the oft-predictable, glam-slam style that fashion enthusiasts have come to know and love.

LaLa Anthony, Thai Nguyen Atelier

Kylie Jenner, Donatella Versace

I could barely contain myself as Instagram posts and streaming footage, coupled with television coverage, began offering up the starlet looks of the evening.  This year's gala, in honor of Commes des Garcon, brought anticipation of the over-the-top whimsy and flair of many a Met Gala gone by.  But most consistently, it was sighting after sighting of sheer...beauty.  You know the kind of fashion that makes you (okay, that makes me) want to holler?  Yes, those feelings were definitely in operation as I pinned, tweeted, insta-storied and snap-chatted some of my favorites. 

Halle Berry, Donatella Versace

Jennifer Lopez, Valentino

Priyanka Chopra, Ralph Lauren

These looks are the ones that I found to be most stunning and worthy of a little Monday night distraction, even as I told myself that I didn't have time for it.  (But as life has proven, we somehow make the time for what we truly want.)  I wanted all the fashion slaying--and it was served.  Artistically and beautifully so. From fairy-tale, to seductive, to old-world glamour and elegance, to edgy chicness, the style gamut was in full display. 

Cassie, on aura tu vu

Lori Harvey, Dolce & Gabbana

Which is your favorite?  For more Met Gala fashion inspiration, go here.

Happy Styling!

Photo Credits: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8

{Be Inspired!}: Spring Fling

Although today began on a rainy note, I'm counting on the old adage, "April showers bring May flowers", to prove truer than ever.  I'm anticipating the growth, life, renewal, beauty and full on 'bloom' that Spring represents, as new beginnings and a healthy dose of inspiration beckon me to embrace the gift of life like never before. 

I'm having a fling with Spring--and sharing some of my favorite seasonal inspirations ala my favorite go-to to help you do the same.  As you might have guessed, my girly girl sentiments shine through. :)

I'd like to know how you're embracing the season and staying inspired.  Share with me and let's inspire one another!

Here's to...Happy Inspired Living!

Prosciutto-Wrapped Roasted Asparagus

This past weekend was abuzz with the anticipation of Easter.  Besides my focus on worship on the holy holiday, my agenda also entailed the making of goodie baskets for some special little people, and, as you might have guessed, deciding on my contribution to a family Easter dinner menu.  I also managed to score the perfect "Easter Dress" recently, which is undoubtedly a delight to the fashionista in me. :)

Back to the menu... My thoughts ranged from baking a cake (eclipsed by a cousin's announcement that she would be bringing cupcakes), to savory scones, to deviled eggs, to finally--a roasted vegetable dish (with some added umami) and the fixings for Arnold Palmer sips.

Asparagus are a delicacy--and especially when you're buying them in-season.  With my mind--and menu addition--finally settled, I roasted up some gorgeously green and fresh asparagus and finished them with a blanket of the umami goodness I mentioned above, i.e. salty, yummy prosciutto.  Simple. easy. elegant. and most importantly, delicious.

Beyond the ease of preparation and taste factors, this dish is also a star because it can be served as almost any course you like, making for appetizer, salad, lunch, or side dish heaven.  And it's spring eating as its best.

Happy Eating!

Prosciutto-Wrapped Roasted Asparagus
Ingredients:
1.5-2lbs. fresh asparagus
1/2 lb. prosciutto, thinly sliced
olive oil
kosher salt
freshly ground black pepper

Method:
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.

Rinse, dry and trim asparagus stalks (break off the woody ends; they will snap at the natural breaking point).  Place asparagus on a foil-lined baking sheet and drizzle with oil.  Season with salt and pepper to taste and roast in preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, until tender, but not overly cooked. 

Wrap cooked asparagus with strips of prosciutto.  Serve and enjoy!    

{Style Files}: All Things Trench Coat

For those who know me, they will attest that having a sharp outerwear wardrobe ranks high on my style aesthetic.  From capes, to vests, to coats, to blazers, and more, the right pieces can totally make your look--or even be your look.  (Yes, I ascribe to the 'wear your coat' philosophy.)  Even the most casual and mundane looks can be instantly elevated into style perfection with the right outerwear.  And nothing could be truer when it comes to the world of trench coats.  I like to think of them as quintessential style pieces that belong in everyone's (especially every style maven's) closet.

 

From my earliest days romping around in my London Fog trench (anyone remember those?), until now, I've seen the trench maintain its long-held--and rightful--place in the fashion and style arena as a classic wardrobe staple.

And with the Spring season just around the corner, there's never been a better time to bring this style favorite to the forefront of your wardrobe.  To further rouse your inspiration in that direction, I've rounded up a few helpful tips and tutorials to take your trench wearing savvy to next level fabulosity.

 How To Tie a Trench Coat (Instyle)

Trench Coat 101: Details (Popsugar)

16 Ways to Style Your Travel Trench (Travelista) 

Parisian Chic Trench Style Tips 


Happy Styling!

Photos (excepting 1st image) courtesy of Pinterest

{In Case You Missed It}: 2016 Highlights

Happy New Year!  I hope that your new year is indeed off to a great start and already shaping up to be your best one yet.

Before we go much further, however, in keeping with my recent tradition, I want to pause and share on some of the most special highlights from 2016.  If you follow me on social media, then you're likely aware that I was fortunate to end last year and begin the new year indulging in my passion for travel with a vacation in a few of my favorite European countries and cities--hence the recent quietness on the blog and much appreciated break and rest from my usual routine. (More highlights from that to come in the days and months ahead...!)

Now that I'm back in the saddle, so to speak, my first order of business here on the blog is to share a brief capture of some of the moments--in food, travel, fashion and style, lifestyle, inspiration, and more, that made last year exceptional on its own terms.  Six plus years and counting, and I am more thankful than ever for this outlet and the opportunities you afford me to share my passions with you.



From dining at the James Beard House, to being featured in Vinings Lifestyle Magazine, to recurring media coverage and collaboration for the Atlanta Food & Wine Festival, Taste of Atlanta Festival, as well as local restaurants, working with amazing brands like Groupon and Warby Parker, sharing my recipes in Atlanta Tribune: The Magazine, increased collaboration with PopSugar, a fabulous Holiday Pop Up Shop, wonderful travels from New York to Miami to Mexico to Italy, and more, 2016 was once again super sweet and special for D.M.R. Fine Foods.  I feel truly blessed by it all.
 
As always, I hope DMRFF continues to inspire you to live and embrace "the good life" in all its facets. 

Here's to the happiest new year yet....

xo, Dawn

{Style Files}: Cape Life

My favorite season happens to be on the horizon, with not many days to go before its official debut.  Judging by the crisp, refreshing temperatures, warm and cozy fare, and rich style and beauty trends, I'm guessing I'm not alone in my sentiments.  Fall is definitely a star season that beckons to be celebrated.

As the warmer temperatures give way to the cooler, breezy weather, it presents the perfect opportunity to don seasonal looks accented by scarves, hats, boots, and one of my personal favorites--capes.

Chic and purposeful all-in-one, adding a cape to your wardrobe mix provides instant style elevation and transforms even the most understated wares into something truly special.  Below are some looks that are inspiring me to wake up my 'Cape Life' once the season finally settles in.  Whether worn long, short, in the coat, sweater, or somewhere in between variety, you can't miss with a well-worn cape.

 

Here's to Fall...and Happy Styling!

P.S. Want more fashion and style inspiration? Follow me here.

Credits: Photo 2, Photo 3, Photo 4, Photo 5